EXCLUSIVE: Glenn McCrory predicts success for Oleksandr Usyk at 200+

Having become the first ever undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk will make his long-awaited heavyweight debut this year.

The Ukrainian is expected to reveal Carlos Takam as his opponent with the bout taking place in May. Potentially the day before Deontay Wilder defends his WBC crown against Dominic Breazeale.

Usyk is aiming to emulate what only Evander Holyfield and David Haye have done. By moving up from 200-lbs to rule the heavyweight division.

North East’s finest Glenn McCrory has weighed in on the topic and has cast his opinion on whether Usyk can replicate his dominance onto the heavyweight scene.

McCrory, who won the world crown Usyk held back in 1989 before moving up in weight to face Lennox Lewis, is in prime position to air his views on the matter.

“Any guy who has cleaned up the cruiserweight division like he has, Usyk needs to move up as there are no more challenges left for him,” McCrory exclusively told World Boxing News.

“Usyk brings something very different to the heavyweight division and that is speed and movement. There’s plenty of big power and big punchers in the division, but he brings something else.

“It’s a very interesting combination. I look forward to seeing him in the heavyweight division.

“I know he’ll make his mark. But I’m not sure if he’ll be the best of the best. I think he’ll definitely leave his mark.”

CHALLENGE

With boxing politics getting in the way of the super-fights in the heavyweight division, Usyk could very well find himself in contention of challenging for a world title sooner rather than later if all goes according to plan.

When asked if Usyk needed to make changes to cause an impact against the big-hitters, McCrory added: “He can beat them by being a cruiserweight. He doesn’t have to beat them by becoming a heavyweight.

“When I got turned into a heavyweight it just didn’t work, there were a few losses for me but he shouldn’t change anything. If it isn’t broken then don’t change it.